Air Arabia steps in to put RAK back on the airline map

Following the collapse of RAK Airways a month ago, Sharjah-based Air Arabia has stepped in to rescue services to the northern-most emirate.

Earlier today Ras Al Khaimah’s department of civil aviation (DCA) signed a strategic partnership with Air Arabia, enabling the airline to become the emirate’s designated carrier operating services from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

Connecting Ras Al Khaimah to several destinations in the region, the major new collaboration is set to witness a significant increase in the number of destinations accessible to residents of Ras Al Khaimah and neighboring Northern Emirates.

The emirates own carrier suspended operations for the second time on New Year’s Day leaving passengers stranded, with the owners claiming the suspension was in the best interests of the shareholders.

At a meeting of the GCAA last week it was suggested that the operating licence was unlikely to be granted again.

The emirate has invested heavily in its new airport to support a projected growth in tourism with a number of new five-star hotels being promoted on its beaches and rugged desert and mountain aeras.

The DCA said the airline’s involvement will enhance RAK’s standing as an attractive tourist destination, while acting as a key catalyst for the further economic development of the emirate. The development also means that Air Arabia now becomes the official carrier of Ras Al Khaimah emirate.